Original posted September 2008
After 36 months
This update is long overdue due to other projects so here it is.
The Prado hasn’t done too many kilometers due to high petrol prices (2007 & 2008) and less requirement to use this car for transporting stuff.
In terms of mechanical reliability – nothing has broken down or needed replacement. Although brakes pads may need to be replaced.
The suspension is getting softer too so the body tends to lean more in corners. The handling I don’t think has changed too much despite the softer suspension then again you don’t take the corners too fast anyway. Off road the suspension still works as well as ever and isolates the cabin very well.
Exterior trim has lasted quite well too. The head light plastics are still clear. The rubber coated side steps and window trim have faded slightly but nothing out of the ordinary compared to other cars.
In terms of interior durability, the seats still look new. The plastics haven’t deteriorated and there are only one or two marks. The leather on the steering wheel have held up well.
However a few plastic rattles have appeared in the overhead sunglass holder and the lid on the armrest squeaks if you rest your hand too heavily on it. Nothing that some adjusting wouldn’t get rid off. We are impressed that there are no dashboard rattles that have occurred in prior cars.
Fuel consumption is still a steady 13-14 liters when traveling in city environments. The engine has become noticeably free revving compared to a brand new engine.
As for tyre wear on the Cooper ATRs. Well, they are lasting very well. More than 1/2 the tyre tread is still left after 40,000kms. But I do think that they are making more noise than new – which is entirely expected for obvious reasons.
Apart from the above there are not any other complaints. It does make life boring but I would not have it any other away.